In a recent meeting of the County Limerick Farmers’ Association, held on a chilly Saturday, the focus was squarely on the challenges faced by Irish farmers due to the ongoing livestock embargo, particularly in the wake of a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Northumberland, England.

The meeting, presided over by Mr R. O’Donnell, addressed the growing concerns among Limerick farmers regarding the restrictions on the transit of Irish store cattle from Munster. Mr M. Costelloe passionately proposed a resolution urging the Irish Board of Agriculture to press Mr Riucitman, an official overseeing livestock transit, on the imperative need to reopen the ports for the smooth movement of Irish store cattle.

The resolution emphasized that cattle from Munster were in excellent health, presenting no risk of spreading contagious diseases. Irish farmers argued that with the livestock in prime condition, it was unjust to impose an embargo affecting their trade with English and Scottish counterparts.

While advocating for the reopening of ports, Mr Costelloe made it clear that the request was not an unreasonable demand. Instead, it sought to strike a balance between facilitating trade and ensuring the safety of livestock. He acknowledged the concerns of English and Scottish farmers, assuring them that Irish farmers did not intend to jeopardize the health of their cattle.

The resolution found unanimous support among the attendees, highlighting the collective stance of Limerick farmers on the matter. Mr Fitzgerald, echoing the sentiments of many, stressed the importance of the English people understanding the necessity of reopening the ports. He emphasized that there was a genuine demand for Irish cattle, and it was in the interest of both parties to resume trade.

Mr McCabe raised a poignant question during the discussion, pointing out the apparent inconsistency in allowing peat moss from Germany, a material saturated with disease, into these centres, while imposing restrictions on Irish cattle. This prompted further discussions about the need for a fair and balanced approach in regulating the transit of goods to and from Ireland.

Addressing the concerns of Mr McCabe, Mr McNamara highlighted the irony of allowing potentially contaminated materials while restricting healthy livestock from Munster, where there was no trace of foot-and-mouth disease. The farmers expressed their frustration, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and equitable policy that prioritizes both trade and biosecurity.

The resolution, passed with resounding approval, included an urgent directive that cattle from Munster should be allowed to be shipped to their intended destinations without further delay. The farmers left the meeting hopeful that their collective voice would resonate, leading to a positive outcome in the ongoing negotiations between Irish and English authorities.

As the livestock embargo continues to impact the agricultural community, Limerick farmers remain steadfast in their pursuit of a solution that accommodates the interests of all parties involved, fostering a fair and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Dublin Daily Express – Monday 09 September 1912